Organisers said up to 400 people gathered at Belmore Park about 1.30pm on Monday before beginning a march towards Chippendale.

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But the rally stalled near Central Station for over an hour as protesters congregated in the middle of the road to sing, perform music and chant, which interrupted westbound traffic down Broadway.

One group of activists locked themselves in a pink water tank with the slogan "Blood of the Earth" while police tried to remove them.

Protesters are moved by police in Sydney. Credit:Dean Sewell

Police said protesters allegedly committed a range offences during the protest, such as obstructing traffic and disobeying reasonable direction.

Flyers that organisers issued to protesters on the afternoon included a warning they could be arrested and charged if they failed to comply with "move on" directions from police.

Those arrested ranged from university students to the elderly, and included protest organisers David Kohn and Lily Campbell.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing said the Extinction Rebellion group "continue to set out to break the law and put themselves and others at risk".

The 'Red Rebels' taking part in Monday's protest.Credit:Dean Sewell

Members of the public order and riot squad, police rescue and general duties officers attended the protest.

"We are aware that this particular group of protesters intend to cause significant disruption to the community, and any future activity of this nature will not be tolerated by NSW Police," he said.

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"Anyone who chooses to flout the rules and cause trouble should expect to feel the full force of the law."

In addition to protests, the Extinction Rebellion's "Spring Rebellion" in Sydney includes a family picnic day at the Botanic Gardens, a bee-themed "die in" at Hyde Park and a human hourglass on Bondi Beach to emphasise the urgency of climate action.

The global movement entered public consciousness over in April this year when Extinction Rebellion actions disrupted an estimated 500,000 people in London.

Extinction Rebellion also launched week-long action throughout Brisbane, starting with a march across Victoria Bridge from South Brisbane to the city centre on Monday morning. The group will hold protests in the city every day this week.

In a statement, Extinction Rebellion said, "International Rebellion 2.0 is a global uprising demanding urgent action on the climate and ecological crisis.

"International Rebellion 2.0 will see tens of thousands of people in more than 60 countries across every continent join and demand governments take immediate and decisive action on the climate and ecological emergency."